Tag Archives: baby gear

New York Baby Show and Momtrends Blogger Lounge

21 May
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Image from Momtrends

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When I found out I was pregnant I was pregnant with my first child, I was overwhelmed by the amount of baby products. I was later surprised to learn of all the other wonderful products out there I had never heard of.  Over the weekend, I attended the New York Baby Show for the first time. The New York Baby Show, sponsored by Canon, was a two-day event that connects families with the latest products and services.

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Image from momtrends

The morning began with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Erica Hill and Sheinelle Jones from the Today Show.  Brands in attendance included Quinny, Maxi-Cosi,Britax, Safety 1st, Hansel & Gretel diaper bags, Skip Hop, Primary kids clothing line, Pottery Barn Kids, Love to Dream, and many more.   I was excited to discover a breastfeeding app. showing locations near by where you can breastfeed, definitely something I wish was around when I was breastfeeding. I also found Music to Your Home, a NYC based company providing in-home music lessons. (MORE BELOW PHOTOS)

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Throughout the day, seminars were held for parents to learn more about shopping for a new baby, breastfeeding along with the challenges and solutions, and buying a car seat and installing it safely.   These were just a few topics discussed that I would have greatly benefited from as a first time mom.  Another great aspect was the stroller test-driving track, allowing you to get a feel for the strollers on the market and decide which would best fit your family.

At the event, I was also invited to attend the Momtrends Blogger Lounge.  The lounge gave bloggers the opportunity to connect and share their favorites from the show room.  In addition bloggers were introduced to sponsors including GlamSquad, Mabels Labels, The Nanny League, NetNet, New York Family, Hatch Thing, Happy Family, and EssentiaPhWater.  Lunch was provided and attendees had the opportunity to get glammed with hair styles, make-up, and nails by GLAMSQUAD.  Thank you to everyone for a wonderful day!

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Image from mom trends

Learn more about the New York Baby Show, Canon and Momtrends by clicking the links.

Disclaimer:  I was compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.

A Fun Father’s Day Adventure and @Safety_1st Car Seat #Giveaway

11 Jun

Father’s Day is quickly approaching.  I’ve tried to find a fun adventure for the entire family (grandpa’s included).  As I was talking with a friend, I remembered our trip to the Grand Prix New York Go Kart Raceway a few years ago for my husbands birthday.  We didn’t bring the kids with us because we didn’t know what to expect or if it was kid friendly. While I was there, I wish I had brought them so they could cheer on their dad as he raced.  There was a bouncy castle, arcade games, bowling and more for them to enjoy as well.  This is definitely on my list for a fun Father’s day adventure!

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With Racing on the mind, did you know that Safety 1st’s car seats incorporate the same technology that protects high performance drivers? As a leader in safety innovation, the patented technology is called GCell HX™.  Combined with Safety 1st Air Protect Technology, it provides full body safety protection in the event of a crash. Below are two new Safety 1st car seats that incorporate GCell HX, so dad’s little one can ride with the same technology as a racecar driver:

The Safety 1st onBoard Air 35 Air + infant car seat allows your child to ride rear facing from 4-25 pounds. It’s equipped with a 5-point harness, adjustable stay in the car base and Carry Curve™ Handle with an ergonomic design. 

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The Safety 1st Advance SE 65 Air + convertible car seat ensures your child is safe from 5-65 pounds. Better yet, it meets the new requirements for the new 65 Pound LATCH rule.

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The Dorel Juvenile Group (maker of Safety 1st) is based in Columbus, IN where its step stools, potties, car seat bases and child safety products are 100% made in the USA. Check out the brands recent feature on AOL’s This Built America to learn more about the company.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to WIN the Safety 1st onBoard Air 35 Air + infant car seat or convertible car seat, your choice, by clicking here.  Giveaway begins now and ends June 26, 2014 at 11:59 pm.  Good Luck! 

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics are from Safety 1st. A car seat was provided for the giveaway.

Cruising in the Joovy Caboose VaryLight {Review}

2 Dec

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Choosing the right stroller is important, especially living in NYC (or any city). Strollers are like cars, it’s the main transportation to and from school, running errands, shopping, and getting place to place, especially when running late.  The type of stroller you need change as children get older and as your family grows.  I had a single stroller with a wheel board, however, I often found my girls fighting over who is going to sit in the seat.  After a long day of Kindergarten, my 5-year-old would want to sit on our way to afterschool activities while my 3 year-old fell asleep or sat because she couldn’t walk as far.

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In expanded position.

I recently received the newest Joovy Caboose, The VaryLight, to review.  It is perfect for older children.  The name VaryLight comes from its ability to expand and contract for varying needs.  If my oldest is tired and wants to sit, I expand it giving a lot more room to sit on the back bench.  The stroller has a 3-position recline in the front seat.  When my youngest falls asleep in the front seat, my oldest sitting in the back, still has room with the seat slightly reclined.

The swivel front wheels make it easy to navigate when in the compacted position (43.5 inches long).  When the stroller is expanded it does takes up a bit of room (49.75 inches long). In a matter of minutes, it can easily  go back to the compact position by unclipping the clips on both sides, pulling the lever under the front seat and sliding the frame towards you, making navigating and storage easier.  There are green markers to let you know when both positions (extended and compacted) are in the correct place. There is also a built-in platform to stand on that makes hopping on and off easy for the days either of my girls want to walk.

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I love to walk all over the city, however, there are the times that I need to jump in a cab with my girls and the stroller.  I love that the VaryLight folds up easily and everything folds together, with one hand.  Simply pull the lever on the handle bar up, push in and  then push forward as the frame collapses (see images below).  No messing with wheel boards to take them off or move seats around. Folded, the stroller is long, so I made sure to look for an SUV taxi with a large trunk.  It fit in with no problem.  I have not tried the trunk of a regular taxi.  My parents just moved to South Carolina and I know there will be many times I will be navigating through an airport alone.  The Caboose VaryLight to get to the gate and fold quickly to board the plane.

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My girls love using their umbrellas.  They both were able to use an umbrella while sitting, NYC winters can get extremely windy and cold so there are often days they can’t use them.  The rain comer is all one piece and fits over both children easily (we used it when the stroller is contracted and there was plenty of room for both girls underneath).  There are two windows, one up front and one on the rear side to make handing drinks and snacks easy.  The girls loved popping their heads out to say hi. In addition to protecting them from the rain, it also protects them from the wind and keeps them warm.

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In compact position with front tray removed.

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The versitility of the VaryLight is amazing.  For the growing family a car seat adapter attaches to the front or rear of the stroller for the newest addition.

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Image from Joovy

We love the Joovy Caboose VaryLight.  It meets our everyday needs and has been a great stroller thus far.  There are so many options whether we use it as a single or a double.  The VaryLight retails for $499.99 and is available at Joovy and will be available in stores soon!  The rain cover is sold seperately for $79.99.  A parent organizer with cup holders is also available for $29.99!

Features include:

Tandem stroller expands from a single to a double stroller.  

•    Swing-open tray.  
•    Car seat adapter installs on front or back of stroller.
•    3-position recline front seat.
•    Rear bench seat and standing platform for older child.
•    One-hand fold.  
•    Front-wheel suspension, front swivel-wheel locks, and rear brakes.  
•    Extra-large storage basket.

Find Joovy on Twitter, Instegram, and Facebook for more information about other great products for families.

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post all opinions and photos are my own unless otherwise noted.  Information in italics came from joovy.com  I received a stroller and rain cover for the purpose of this review.  Thank you Joovy for making getting around the city easier for me!

Don’t Miss the #BiggestBabyShower 11/13 in NYC

11 Nov

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The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever is like no other baby shower in the world. Considered the pioneer of the baby preparation experience, this is the ultimate, can’t-miss event for expectant and new parents across NYC. More than 1,500 moms and dads will hit the town for a night out, mocktail in hand, as they browse over 150 of the top brands in the maternity and baby industry. This 4 hour event is jam packed with educational seminars, demonstrations, games, treats and more as attendees shop the hottest essentials for modern parenting.

Tickets start at $80.  Register now to shop, eat, relax, and learn! Everyone will go home with a gift bag filled with hundreds of dollars of baby essentials.  Enter raffles to win strollers, high chairs, car seats and more.

Click the links for Shower Details, a list of Sponsors and the Seminar Schedule!

Hope you can join!

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  I received a media ticket to the event.  All information and photos came from a press release and the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower website.

 

Win It Wednesday: Stokke MyCarrier (#GIVEAWAY)

16 Oct

Halloween is 2 weeks away!  How do you take your little one trick-or-treating?  When my 2nd was born, trick-or-treating got a little tricky with 2.  I did not want to take my stroller through crowded hallways and streets.  Wearing my youngest was a much easier option.  Check out these awesome babywearing costume ideas.

Enter to win a Dark Navy Stokke MyCarrier to make this Halloween (and travels during the upcoming Holiday season) easier.  Contest ends at 11:59 pm October 24!

image from Stokke

image from Stokke

To win:

  • Leave a comment below telling me what your little one will be for halloween and/ or your favorite way to wear your baby (inwards, outwards, or on your back).

Additional Entries:

Please leave a comment for every entry.

About the Stokke MyCarrier:  The Stokke MyCarrier3 in 1 baby carrier, easily transforms as your child grows from birth through the toddler years.  It can be worn facing inwards, facing outwards and on the back. Retail value $219.99!  Watch this video to learn more.

Image from Stokke

Image from Stokke

Disclaimer:  I received this Stokke MyCarrier at an event.  My girls are past the age of carriers so I would like to give it to one lucky reader.  Information about the MyCarrier is from stokke.com

Congratulations to Jessica for winning the Stokke My Carrier!  Thank you to everyone who entered!

 

Re-designed Maxi-Cosi Micro AP Infant Seat with Air Protect® technology

12 Aug

Picture 8I was at a baby shower yesterday and was asked a lot of questions about infant seats.  Questions about which infant seat is the safest and if there were any new to the market?  It’s been 2 years since I last used an infant seat and a lot has changed, however, I recently learned that Maxi-Cosi, has re-designed the Maxi-Cosi Micro AP infant seat using patented Air Protect® technology.

How Air Protect Works: Through the precise release of air, Air Protect compresses and shields children from side impact intrusion and immediately reduces crash forces where the child is most vulnerable-the head.  Air Protect does this by extending ride-down, the amount of time it takes to slow a child’s movement in a crash.  By extending ride-down time, Air Protect creates a slower, softer landing.

Other differences include:

  • Revised base release handle located on shell
  • Upgraded soft goods
  • Flip-out canopy visor for extra UV protection

Not only does the Micro AP come in a variety of fun, bright, and amazing colors like Passionate Pink, it is also light-weight at 8.6 pounds. The Micro AP infant seat is rear-facing and can be used from birth to 12 months.  Click the links to find out more about the Maxi-Cosi Micro AP or where to buy!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  Information in italics came from a press release I received.  The image is from diapers.com.

Quinny Yezz (GIVEAWAY)

20 May

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Images from 360 PR.

Images from 360 PR.

Living in NYC, I rely on public transportation.  I can’t even tell you the number of times I have had to carry one of my girls and lug a a stroller up a flight of stairs because the subway stop I needed to get off at didn’t have an elevator.  Like the subway, the bus is just as difficult to get on and off with a large stroller.  I recently learned about the newest stroller, the Yezz, from the well-known brand Quinny which seems ideal for all of those situations city moms and dads may experience.  The Yezz was featured on the Katie Couric show for her Big Baby Shower episode.  Yesterday parents braved the rain and lined up as early as 2.a.m at locations to receive one of 400 Yezz strollers that were given away at various locations around New York City which included Giggle, The New York Baby Show, and Albee Baby.

Features of the Yezz include:

  • Approximately 11 lbs
  • Ultra compact quick fold
  • Stands when folded, includes adjustable carry strap
  • Frame is made of IXEF® material, a high performance injection molded composite fiber — allows for the stroller to be light weight and extremely durable
  • Interchangeable seats to allow parents to change the fashion
  • Available Colors: Blue Loop, Yellow Move, Blue Track, Grey Road, Red Signal and Purple Rush.
  • For children from 6 months to 40lbs.
  • Available Accessories: WeatherShield
  • SRP $279; additional seats for $69

It’s not too late to get your hands on a Yezz.  Quinny is offering one Tastefully Childish reader the opportunity to receive a Yezz.  To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me your favorite Yezz color (mandatory)

Follow @tastefulychldsh on twitter

Follow @QuinnyUSA on twitter

Tweet: I want to win the @QuinnyUSA  #Yezz on @tastefulychldsh http://wp.me/p1XtzY-1sJ

Like Tastefully Childish on Facebook

Like Quinny on Facebook

Please leave a comment for every entry. Giveaway ends June 4, 2013 at 10 p.m. CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.  All entries were put into excel. Your name was entered for every entry you made and a random number was given for your entry.  Random.Org choose a random number to select the winner.  The WINNER is Number 64, Megan Crose.  Please e-mail your information to tastefullychildish@gmail.com!

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Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  The product was given for a reader.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Images are from Quinny and 360 PR.

SCOOT Around Town Stokke Chic

6 Mar
Image from Momtrends

Image from Momtrends

20130305-213906.jpgNot long ago I attended an event with Momtrends to introduce two strollers new to the market by Stokke . Most moms are familiar with the Stokke Xplory because of its unique look and height. Now in their line up of strollers is the Stokke Crusi, a multiconnection stroller that can be used as a single or double and the Stokke Scoot, a compact stroller. At the end of the event, I strolled out with the new Stokke Scoot for the purpose of this review (below). For a full recap of the event from Momtrends, click here.

Living in New York City, your stroller is your main set of wheels and your main accessory.   Finding a stroller that is easy to maneuver, put into a taxi, and looks great all at the same time is hard to find. When I started my stroller search, before my first, I had not heard of Stokke. The only stroller I had really seen or heard of was the Bugaboo. Since then I have gone through multiple brands of strollers trying to find the one that was ideal for my family and one that could be my main set of wheels and looks great. The Stokke Scoot is ideal for a baby or small toddler who does not have siblings or the older sibling is able to walk.  It has been perfect for our family because my oldest is rarely in the stroller since she is in school all day and is also old enough to walk.  Most days, it is just me and my youngest running errands in the Stokke Scoot so there is no need for a large double or big stroller.  Some of the features I love about the stroller:

  • Higher hight position to make child closer to interact when rear acing and exploring the world when facing front
  • A one-handed folding system, by far the easiest fold of all the strollers I have tried.
  • It is light weight, 22 lbs, and easy to carry or put into a taxi for city moms and cars for suburban moms on the go.  Also, ideal for families who travel frequently.
  • The under basket is big and is perfect for carrying groceries home or storing backpacks for school.
  • The tires don’t require a pump, my last stroller had air-filled tires that were always deflating and puncturing.
  • The cup holder is perfect for my morning coffee or water for my daughter.  Hoping an extra cup/ snack holder will be available in the future to place into the parasol opening.
  • Available in 7 fabulous colors, black melange is pictured.
  • My favorite is that the stroller can be pushed up to a table at a park, restaurant or caffè  and function as a high chair for a quick snack or a meal out with the family.

More below pictures:

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Getting out of the snow for a quick snack!

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Headed to School!

Easy Fold

Easy Fold!

Unzip the vent to check on your child or give them some air.  Step on the red for break and lift up with foot to unlock.

Unzip the vent to check on your child or give them some air. Step on the red for break and lift up with foot to unlock.

What you should know before buying:

  • Although the seat looks small, my daughter always seems comfortable and asks to ride in “her” stroller every morning.
  • Only two recline positions: upright/active or laying back/ rest.
  • Suitable from birth to up to 33 lbs
  • It is difficult getting up onto sidewalks when the child is faced toward you and there is no ramp.

The Stokke Scoot is available now and retails for $699.99! Click the link for a full demonstration.  Happy SCOOTing!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a Stokke Scoot for this review and a gift bag for attending the Momtrends and Stokke launch event.  All opinions expressed are my own.